Exploit the Inexperienced Defense of Alabama

Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesDre Kirkpatrick is hoping to have a successful NFL career with whoever drafts him this month

Alabama lost a lot of players to graduation and the NFL this past season.

They lose a lot of players—especially on the defensive side of the ball—including Courtney Upshaw, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron, so there are a lot of questions about how the defense will reload.

Inexperience is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the lack of knowledge and experience can cause many of the Alabama players to lose their confidence and playmaking ability. The other side of the equation is that first-time starters are very hungry and eager to prove themselves.

If Michigan has a chance of winning this football game, they have to take advantage of the inevitable mistakes the Crimson Tide can and will make defensively.

Force A.J. McCarron to Throw the Football

Alabama lives and dies by their rushing attack. They've done a terrific job of producing NFL talent such as Mark Ingram and the soon-to-be-drafted Trent Richardson.

Stuff the rushing game, and Alabama will be forced to throw the football.

A.J. McCarron doesn't make many mistakes, as he threw just five interceptions all season. He also had a 66.7 completion percentage, which is more than respectable. His weakness is that he averaged only 200 yards passing per game.

If the Crimson Tide fall behind, then McCarron will be forced to throw more than he wants to. Michigan can and will exploit their quarterback.

Win the Turnover Battle Against Alabama

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Having Alabama give up the football is easier said than done.

Between all interceptions and lost fumbles, the Crimson Tide only gave up possession of the football a total of 12 times last year. Oddly enough, 10 of those turnovers were at home and just two were on the road. In contrast, quarterback Denard Robinson had 15 interceptions by himself.

Winning the turnover battle will be a key element in becoming victorious in this football game.

Frustrating running back Eddie Lacy could get him careless rushing the football. This could lead to turnovers, and if they get behind, getting an interception or two from A.J. McCarron will go a long way in getting some turnovers.